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Under the Arches
A space for alumni to share their updates and bitesize news with fellow Newcastle graduates
Your alumni news noticeboard
Under the Arches is the baby sibling of our bi-monthly alumni newsletter, Arches. Here, you can read bitesize news and life updates from your global alumni community, and celebrate your own achievements with your fellow Newcastle graduates and those on campus.
Class of 2025 graduate to perform at Brazenose Violin Competition
Music graduate Ciara Glasswell, who is currently studying for her Master's on campus, is one of nine students in the UK to be selected to perform at the final for the Brazenose Violin Competition, due to take place in Stamford this October.
Organised by Stamford Strings and Brazenose Violins, the competition has been created to allow young musicians to perform in front of an experienced judging panel and live audience, meet fellow young players and gain valuable experience as they continue their musical development.
The first prize is a Brazenose Fuoco violin, finished in Stamford by luthier Libby Summers, alongside the opportunity to perform in the Brazenose Chamber Concert Series in 2027.
Good luck Ciara!
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Medical graduate features on BBC's Desert Island Discs
We were thrilled to see Class of 1979 Newcastle University alumna Professor Dame Pamela Shaw interviewed on BBC's Desert Island Discs recently!
Having studied medicine on campus and started her clinical training in the North East, today Pamela is a globally renowned neurologist and leading figure in tackling Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
You can listen to Pamela's conversation with Lauren Laverne on BBC Sounds to hear more about her work and - of course - her castaway choices!
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Business School alum and former NUFC footballer tackles new role
Class of 2025 Newcastle University Business School graduate Shola Ameobi has been appointed Head of Corporate Affairs at St. James' Park!
In his new role, Shola will work closely with senior leadership across the club to support engagement with civic leaders, regulatory bodies, commercial partners and the club’s legendary former players.
A familiar face to generations of Newcastle United supporters, Shola made 397 senior appearances for the club over 14 years, scoring 79 goals. Congratulations Shola!
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Friends of the Hatton Gallery wins prestigious award for newsletter
The Friends of the Hatton Gallery, a community-led group in support of the campus art gallery, has received an award from the British Association of Friends of Museums (BAFM) in recognition of their newsletter, The Bulletin.
Many alumni and members of the university community are part of the Friends of the Hatton Gallery group, and we are proud to celebrate their success!
The Bulletin is a quarterly print and digital publication that includes upcoming events and exhibitions at the art gallery, as well as features on its history and other important information. In the 2026 Award for Friends' Newsletters, The Bulletin was awarded joint first place, with the Friends receiving a certificate of merit to commemorate their achievement.
Creative Writing alumna is an award-winning author at 81!
Having spent her career as a headmistress, Jill Clough pursued her dream of being an author and gained a PhD in Creative Writing on campus in 2013. Earlier this year, Jill published her sixth novel 'Blood Runs Cold'. She said:
“From learning my craft at Newcastle University to being nominated for, and winning, literary awards, these last few years have been really exciting.
"My stories are told from the point of view of a young person. During my career as a headteacher I became convinced that young people have amazing potential and have far more to offer adults than is often recognised. I still firmly believe this.”
Alumni poet wins international awards for debut collection
Congratulations to Class of 2014 English Literature graduate Daniel Hinds who is celebrating his debut poetry collection receiving international acclaim.
New Famous Phrases, published by Broken Sleep Books, won the international UNESCO Bridges of Struga Award 2026. This is only the second time an English poet has won the award, which is bestowed upon the best debut poetry collection internationally. The collection has also recently been a finalist for the Big Other Book Award for Poetry, and received an Honourable Mention in the Big Other Readers’ Choice Award.
